GRADED EXERCISE KEY TO RELIEVING CFS

Chiropractors caring for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) know that these individuals frequently express strong aversions to exercise. However, encouraging CFS sufferers to gradually incorporate exercise into their routine may propel them toward recovery, according to a report in tomorrow's issue of the British Medical Journal.

The study followed 148 patients with CFS. Subjects received either 1) standard medical care or 2) education about their symptoms and instruction on home-based graded exercise.

After one year, 69% of patients in the intervention group enjoyed improved functioning (as measured by the SF-36 physical functioning subscale), compared with 6% of patients in the control group. Similar improvements were seen in fatigue, sleep, disability and mood. Overall, the explanations of their symptoms convinced 94% of the patients to carry out graded workouts.

BMJ ­ February 17, 2001;322:390-5. http://www.bmj.com/

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